Starting over Beautifully
By TheRealDawn
@dawnald (85137)
Shingle Springs, California
May 14, 2012 8:39am CST
OK, so I went looking for houses yesterday, not with real great expectations. The house I really kind likes (from pictures anyway) had been pulled off the market. But I went looking at these (except for the 2nd one, which has mold problem):
http://prospector.metrolist.net/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Metrolist&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=xtKKlLT9ANa%2Bf2r76xYMfgzqdq8nNRDqy4aTTSQzARc%3D&KeyRid=1&Include_Search_Criteria=&CurrentSID=184319393
The first one on the list, the second one we looked at, was a major fixer. Told the agent to tell R about it (he is looking for a fixer), and moved on. I am not looking for something that will take major time and money to make ready. It needed paint, carpets and LOTS of other stuff. Loved the fireplace, the game room, and the 2 masters though (Dearra would have loved to have her own bathroom).
The last 2 houses (on Cambridge) were ok. The first one (3283) had a pool and a nice back yard. Was really musty smelling though, and they had painted the front of the appliances (which were mostly old) to match the cabinets. This one would have needed a fair amount of work too. The one at 2817 would have needed major work in the back yard, but the house had been completely fixed up, paint, carpet, counters, cabinets, appliances, etc. It had enough room for my books too. I thought maybe we had found our house.
On to the house on Sterling. The yard front and back was great. Spacious, a lawn, flowers, well kept up. Reminded me of my mother. The kitchen was nice, all new, island, nice tile, etc. Laundry room had lots of storage (and room for kitty litter boxes lol). The three small bedrooms were spacious enough, and the master had mirrored doors on the closets. I miss my mirrored doors. It only had one living room/family room/dining room, so we're going to be squashed. But hey, Dearra only has 2 more years of school, then what? My books will have to stay in storage (mostly) until somebody moves out, but then I have the spare bedrooms to put them in, and eventually a guest room too.
Making an offer today, y'all, cross your fingers for me!!!
5 people like this
20 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
14 May 12
Ugh, I remember house hunting, what a pain. These are some nice homes though, I really like the first one, probably because of the gazebo and that massive tree next to it. Wow...
The kitchen was also a good size, I'd love it for all the cooking I do, but of course the third one had a better kitchen, with the island, but the counter space at 3283 CAMBRIDGE Rd, I would really love that one..Wait a minute, am I looking for me or you???
Now the one on Sterling, that is the one you are going to make an offer on? This is also one with only one picture right? It looks beautiful and from your description, and the storage sounds reasonable and I hope they accept your offer..Keep us updated...
The kitchen was also a good size, I'd love it for all the cooking I do, but of course the third one had a better kitchen, with the island, but the counter space at 3283 CAMBRIDGE Rd, I would really love that one..Wait a minute, am I looking for me or you???
Now the one on Sterling, that is the one you are going to make an offer on? This is also one with only one picture right? It looks beautiful and from your description, and the storage sounds reasonable and I hope they accept your offer..Keep us updated...1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
18 May 12
Oh, I'm sorry you didn't get it, but Cambridge, that is the one with the gazebo, right? Oh, I did say I really like that one..I hope you get it..
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
15 May 12
Nice crop of stones ya got there, and it's nice to know you won't fall off the toilet when you've had too much to drink. (Wish I had another pear cider...)
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51838)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
15 May 12
You would, too, wouldn't you...
1 person likes this
@cotruelove (1016)
• Denver, Colorado
14 May 12
Wow, I like your choice. For me, I can't do high ceilings anymore cause I cannot chase the cobwebs out of the rafters. 
Looks like the area you're buying into is about the same pricing as around here for a comparable house. Hope they accept your offer and you find it is the perfect house for you. I know from my own experience the perfect house is never seen until after you live in it for a time. It does look like the one you chose is move-in ready. Be sure and let us know how it goes. Big ((hug)) for doing such a great job! 
I know you will be happy to end the relationship with a good new place of your own.
Looks like the area you're buying into is about the same pricing as around here for a comparable house. Hope they accept your offer and you find it is the perfect house for you. I know from my own experience the perfect house is never seen until after you live in it for a time. It does look like the one you chose is move-in ready. Be sure and let us know how it goes. Big ((hug)) for doing such a great job! I know you will be happy to end the relationship with a good new place of your own. 1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
15 May 12
So which one are you going for?
Personally, I'd probably sell off some of the books, like the ones you know you won't ever read again. Storage can be expensive and you're looking at a few years worth of it. Do any of the houses have basements/attics/garages for storage? Wrap the books up in plastic bags to keep them safe from water damage and voila. Speaking of basements/attics etc. those can always be turned into extra bedrooms if needed.
1 person likes this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
14 May 12
Hiya Dawn! I'll keep my skating toes crossed for ya too - hee hee. Wow, the houses look pretty spacious up there!! Very nice! Yah, often the pictures don't tell the whole story til you get there. We're moving into an oldie, it wasn't a fixer, but it does need a bit of fixing - so that's we're at right now. Hopefully that gets taken care of in the next 2 weeks, and we'll be moved in (gotta be outta here before June). And soon you will be moved into your new place too . . . hope you get the one you want!!! Good luck!!!
Good luck!!! 
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
19 May 12
They were all pretty nice from the photos. The first one had a lovely huge gazebo and a tiny bathroom. That gave me a bit of a giggle.
They are all quite pricey and way too big for me. I could never keep up with the chores in something so big especially with 3 kids to take care of...not to mention a full time job.
Haven't caught up yet with the next instalment but it's a given that I'm wishing you luck.
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
14 May 12
I'm crossing my fingers for you! I'm so glad that you've found a place that you like, even if it might need work and time. I can't wait to go house-hunting myself, but it's probably several years away! Not certain I'd want to have a house that needed any work done because I'm not good with those kinds of projects. But I just love seeing empty houses. There's something about the openess and the way it just seems to be waiting for someone to come in and make it home.
Good luck and I hope you get the home you want!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 May 12
2548 is my favourite, mainly 'cos I like all the greenery outside. All of them are MILES bigger than our house though but there again the US is miles bigger than the UK, so it's expected that many of the houses over there are massive.
It sounds like you're having fun looking anyway. Which one are you making an offer on, I'm a bit confused (doesn't take much) lol.
It sounds like you're having fun looking anyway. Which one are you making an offer on, I'm a bit confused (doesn't take much) lol.@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 May 12
Was the one on Sterling, but that one got away.
@WildHorses (718)
• United States
14 May 12
That actually sounds pretty good. Hoping for the best. ?
@celticeagle (189932)
• Boise, Idaho
15 May 12
Isn't house hunting a drag? At first it is fun but it gets old after awhile. I like the one on Sterling. The first two I didn't care for. They seemed dark or maybe you didn't take many pictures. Hope the offer is excepted. Fingers are crossed.... and toes.
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
15 May 12
Wow! That was fast! I guess with all the foreclosures happening with the economy there are alot of houses to look at and choose from! I hope you get the house! it sounds great!
@rosegardens (3032)
• United States
15 May 12
I like the brick wall and fireplace on the first one, but the living space is oddly shaped. The gazebo is fantastic!
The 2nd one has that awesome burgundy room with the wonderful windows and wood flooring. Ah, I could see myself there watching the birds and gazing at my garden.
But, you are buying it not me. lolol! I hope you can get a good deal on your home. I am amazed at those prices. The little suburb I live in, the most expensive house is 1/2 what you are looking at.
That Sterling house sure does have a nice yard. Ah what potential! :D
Good luck to you my friend.
